portable tools

1. Using Portable Power Tools Department of Engineering - Risk Assessment
Hazard Effect Control measures Residual risk
Electricity Electric shock Check condition of lead and plug before use.
Use 110v or battery tools or RCD where practicable.
Check for hidden/buried cables before drilling etc.
Do not work where water is present without
specialist advice.
Qualified person to test all portable electrical hand
tools at least annually.
Low
Flammable/explosive
atmosphere
Fire/Explosion Do not use heat generating equipment without Hot
Work Permit.
Do not work near flammables, compressed gases, in
explosive atmospheres or confined spaces without
specialist advice.
Check with Clerk of Works before using flammable
fuel or gas driven equipment.
Low
Moving parts Entanglement Loose clothing, jewellery and long hair to be kept
clear of moving parts.
Use guards where appropriate.
Low
Flying debris, swarf
etc.
Eye, hand or facial
injury
Use protective eyewear or face shield.
Use guards where appropriate.
Wear protective gloves where appropriate.
Advise nearby persons of hazard.
Isolate area with barriers, tape etc. where necessary.
Low
Noise Hearing damage Wear hearing protection if above 80dB(A) or if
uncomfortably loud (request assessment if in doubt).
Advise nearby persons of hazard.
Supervisors should inform users of risks from noise.
Low/moderate
Vibration Hand/Arm
Vibration
Syndrome (HAVS)
Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome
Select power tools with lowest vibration levels.
Minimise the time individuals use the equipment
(e.g. job rotation).
Restrict use of vibration inducing tools to
recommended times (see Departmental guidance,
manufacturer’s information, local risk assessment or
label on equipment/ box).
Ensure tools are properly stored, maintained and
used according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Supervisors should inform users of risks from
vibration.
Arrange health surveillance for those identified at
risk from vibration.
Low/moderate

2. Using Portable Power Tools Department of Engineering - Risk Assessment
Hazard Effect Control measures Residual risk
Ergonomic Musculo-skeletal
injury
Ensure there is adequate room to do the job.
Minimise the time individuals use heavy equipment
(e.g. job rotation).
Use jigs and suspension systems to assist the
handling of heavy equipment (e.g. large grinders).
Wear safety footwear unless feet protected by other
means (e.g. sitting at a bench).
Low/moderate
Slips, trips and falls Minor injury
Major injury
Fatal injury
Ensure work area is free (as is practicable) from
trailing cables, tools, materials, debris and spills.
All work should be from a suitable and stable work
platform.
The use of ladders restricted to trained users and
must be cleared with supervisor.
Moderate
Low
Low
Dust Respiratory illness
Reduced visibility
Skin irritation
Use a dust mask (check for fit).
Increase ventilation to work area (e.g. open
windows, temporary extract etc.)
Wear close-fitting safety goggles.
Stop working if visibility is noticeably reduced.
Wear suitable protective clothing (especially gloves).
Clean work area regularly (e.g. sweep, vacuum, wash
down).
Low
Air line detaching or
bursting
Eye/face injury
Distraction
Check condition and connections of air-line before
use.
Ensure air-line is not on a traffic route (pedestrian or
vehicular).
Low
Tool jamming or
binding
Wrist/hand injury Check tool is appropriate for the job and used in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Trained operators only (or under strict supervision).
Ensure tools are maintained according to
manufacturer’s instructions.
Low/moderate
Inappropriate use All of above Check tool is appropriate for the job and used in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Users shall be trained in the correct use of portable
tools.
Inexperienced power tools users should be
supervised or observed when first using an
unfamiliar item of equipment or in an unfamiliar
environment.
Power tools should be securely stored when not in
use.
Low/moderate

3. Using Portable Power Tools Department of Engineering - Risk Assessment
Signature to confirm that this is a suitable and sufficient assessment of risk and that stated control measures
are in place and will be reviewed.
Name of Assessor
Email:
Signature Date
Name of Supervisor Signature Date
Local Safety Coordinator Signature Date
Departmental Safety Office Signature Date
Additional Users Signature Date